Australia v New Zealand

At Faridabad, October 29, 2003. Australia won by eight wickets. Australia 6 pts. Toss: New Zealand.

Suggestions that an injury-stricken Australia would struggle went awry with the second ball of the match, when Bracken trapped Nevin in front. From that point on, it was like exhibition dominoes for the New Zealand batting line-up, already missing Astle, and further weakened on the eve of the game by the unavailability of Cairns. Before the end of the sixth over, three men were out: two runs had come off the bat and the score was just 11. Despite brief resistance from McMillan, New Zealand were mostly clueless against Bracken and Williams, who shared seven wickets. They were fortunate that the Australians gave away 18 wides and two no-balls. Even so, New Zealand made their fifth-lowest total in one-day internationals. Any hopes that Australia might also struggle evaporated at once: Gilchrist smashed 29 off 18 balls, and Hayden was just as carefree.

Man of the Match: B. A. Williams.